Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1887-05-29
WICHITA AND THE GULF.

WICHITA AND THE GULF.
In the years gone by the EAGLE has
pointed out to the people of the Arkansas
valley, that at some time in the future
there would be an immense trade between
the valley and some city on the Gulf of
Mexico, perhaps Galveston. From the
earliest settlement of this valley, men of
business, foresaw that there must of neces-
sity be great city at or near the confiu-
ence of the Little and Great Arkansas
rivers. When people have, from the more
elevated lands east of this city, beheld the
magnificent valleys of the Great and Little
rivers unite here, and saw their commingled
waters flowing on to the sea through a
valley still more magnificent, the scene
inspired them as it were, with the
spirit OF prophecy. And while the great
commercial city at the junction of these
rivers was painted On their minds, the pro-
phetic eye has irresistably turned to the
south and another city by the sea was re-
yealed. The mighty ocean seemed to press
down the continent in order to be nearer
the home of the Peerless Princess, where
the Niles of America join. The great iron
highways connecting this city to the city
by the sea will be less than half thousand
miles long. Men have written and spoken
as they thought wisely to show that there
can be no such thing as inspiration in the
mind of man. They have said man can
imagine, can compare, can reason and
can judge, but that there is no
place left for inspiration. With all
the arguments presented to the minds of
men in apparent logical form against in
spiration, their instincts still tell them it is
true So it is here. The grand prospects
and possibilities of this country and valley
has ever inspired men to prophecy great
things to come This inspiration has be-
gotten faith. The people have believed
and that is the solid rock upon which the
structure is being erected. That is our
faith, -nOw for our works. Here they
are, look at them. See the progress of
this great valley, her new farms, her new
towns rising as if by magic, her great rail
road enterprises and everything that goes
to make great empire is being developed
here. Look at Wichita. See her unparal-
lelled prosperity and industry; behold her
marvellous growth. Now come with us to
the tower of the eyrie. Look the direc
ton in which the eagle on the tower
seems to be looking; look to
the south, over the winding streams,
over the green prairies, over the dark foil
age of the numerous miniature forests,
over the innumerable farms with their
promises Of a bountiful harvest, down to
where the arm of the sea seems to be cor
daily extended toward us. There is Gal
weston with her magnificent bay, with her i
vast shipping interest, with her eaterpris
ing merchants reinforced by strong houses !,
rom 81 Louis and other cities, making /
re ady to take care Of our trade. See the
railroads pointing from this valley towards
and nearly completed to Galveston. See
the splendid new steamers, one, two,
three, four, five, six, seven Of them. on
tn e placid waters of her bay, constructed
for and owned by the great Santa Fee Rail
road Company. They are to be run in
with that system of
roads, and will give Wichita a nine
days service to New York. At
the present time owing TO delays caused by
cars and freight to other roads
the time to New York is about fourteen |
days. Thus you see when the Peerless
City has joined hands with Galveston she
will not only save Vast sums of money in |
freights, but will save time in shipping by |
the new route. Yes, you are right when |
you say The contemplation of this scene is |
inspiring and we are justified in prophe |
sy ing great things for our Peerless city and |
our Happy Valley. The great possibilities |
written across this magnificent landscape
by the hand of Bountiful Providence in |
spires the mind of men to hope and be |
lieye in the consumation OF greater things |
10 come